Interactive installations, colourful street theatre, Christmas markets and secret afternoon teas are on Bradford’s calendar this festive season.
Under the district’s inaugural Sparkling Bradford initiative, kickstarted at The Broadway Bradford’s Festive Launch on 10 November, there are numerous events planned over November and December.
Bradford Council’s festival of lights, Illuminate Bradford, returns to the city centre on 30 November – 2 December with a seasonal celebration including magical acts, performances and The Imaginarium light projection across City Hall.
Coun Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places at Bradford Council, said: “Illuminate Bradford was a huge success last year with events across City Park and the wider city centre. The Imaginarium projection is a magnificent light show and brings the stunning architecture of City Hall to life. We’re expecting more than 300,000 people to visit throughout the weekend.”
Across the district, the Haworth Christmas Market will take over Haworth Central Park on 1 and 2 December with 20 stalls of handmade gifts, jewellery and local produce. Main Street will feature live music, a festive bar and an artisan gin and food zone.
Families looking to meet Santa Claus this season can find him at Christmas at the Castle at Bradford Council’s Cliffe Castle in Keighley, the Shipley Glen Tramway, Bingley Christmas Fayre, Baildon Festive Farmer’s Market, Kirkgate Shopping Centre and Ilkley Christmas Teepees.
The Broadway Bradford is offering children the chance to have breakfast with Santa on weekends throughout December. Ian Ward, general manager at the shopping centre, said: “We have a whole host of festive activities planned for this season as part of Sparkling Bradford. We’re taking bookings for Breakfast with Santa weekends where children can enjoy a story read by Santa and receive a present. We’re also going to be visited by some well known faces throughout December so keep your eyes peeled!”
Festive afternoon teas will be popping up at secret locations across Saltaire with Chez Shamwari. Guests can enjoy an afternoon of freshly prepared food and drink in a location revealed upon booking.
Sparkling Bradford is collaborative campaign created by Bradford Council, The Broadway Bradford, Visit Bradford, Made in Bradford and the University of Bradford. The programme encompasses all of the season’s festive experiences highlighting the district as a key Christmas destination this winter.
For more information about Sparkling Bradford, and a list of events, follow #SparklingBradford
